Dominica fundraising drive

Major Dominica Hurricane Fundraising Drive On

By William Doyle-Marshall

The Government of Dominica has cancelled its annual World Creole Music Festival as a result of the recent devastation by tropical storm Erika. In the meantime, the island’s private sector has announced it will lead efforts to stage a series of relief concerts in its place. According to word from Dominica the concerts are planned for the same dates, from Oct. 30 – Nov. 1. These events will support Dominica’s reconstruction efforts, by attempting to enable some economic activity after parts of the country were adversely affected by the tropical storm. Preliminary estimates put recovery costs for Dominica at more than $220 million (US).

   The annual World Creole Music Festival is part of Dominica’s Independence celebrations which typically jumpstarts economic activity that precedes the busy Christmas and Carnival seasons. Members of the Caricom Consular Corps headed by Dr. Vidhya Tota-Maharaj will meet towards the end of the month and are likely to discuss Dominica’s plight. At the moment individual efforts are being pursued by Caribbean countries’ within the Canadian Diaspora.  

  The Government and people of the island are thankful to the Caribbean community and others for the support received in the days following the storm. Saddened by the lives lost, the government is dedicated to locating those who are still missing.  

   “The government of Dominica must reprioritize following Tropical Storm Erika,” said the Robert Tonge, Minister for Tourism and Urban Renewal said the government must focus on rebuilding communities and infrastructure, and providing housing for those who were displaced. “We are grateful to the private sector for stepping in to ensure that Dominica’s strong music heritage will continue and bring additional relief efforts to the Nature Island,” the minister added.

Dominica: Nature Island of Caribbean

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is seeking donations for its CTO Relief Fund to provide monetary assistance to the people of Dominica. “The time to help Dominica is now. In other times of need, the Caribbean as a Region has generously come together to provide assistance to those devastated by natural disasters, and we are confident that this spirit of generosity will be evident once again,” said Hugh Riley, CTO Secretary General.

 Cheques payable to Caribbean Tourism Organization Relief can be mailed to the London office at 22 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1BP, UK, or to the Barbados office at Ground Floor, Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados, BB22026, payable to Caribbean Tourism Organization. In the US, cheques payable to the CTO Relief Fund may be mailed to 80 Broad Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10004.

  Persons wishing to make electronic transfers can please contact the Barbados, UK or US offices to acquire banking details. Contributions to the CTO Relief Fund in the US are not tax deductible. The CTO is also working with a civic group in the US, the Association of Dominicans in the Northeast, (www.adne-us.org) a registered charity based in New Jersey, to mobilize Dominicans, collect relief items and raise funds for the effort.  The group is hosting a number of events, the entire proceeds of which will go to the relief effort. Dominica is a member of the CTO whose Relief Fund provides support for member countries impacted by natural disasters. The CTO is using all its offices to facilitate the process of enlisting the help of governments and individuals across the Region along with supporters from around the world, to mobilize and encourage assistance for the Government and People of Dominica.

 Commercial airlines serving the island of Dominica are resuming flights to Douglas-Charles Airport. Since the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority gave the go-ahead to resume commercial flights, airport authorities have been working to restore essential services to the badly damaged terminal building in order for airline partners, LIAT, Seaborne Airlines and Winair, to re-establish schedules to the airport. Partner airlines have made several test landings since receiving the go-ahead. “We continue to see daily progress in the tourism sector. Fans of the Nature Island will be pleased to know that most of their favorite locations and activities are operational and ready for their next visit,” said Colin Piper, director of tourism.

  Dominica tourism officials are working with island visitors and others to provide service and answer questions. Queries can be made by calling 767 448 2045 or email tourism@dominica.dm. It has been confirmed that 72 of 94 properties are currently operational. Visitors are encouraged to check directly with their accommodations regarding the status of their properties and surrounding infrastructure. Some hotels began their annual September/October closure early in an effort to clean up and re-group for the busy fall season. While tour operators are doing business, some are observing their seasonal maintenance shutdown.

  Hiking trails and roads continue to be assessed for accessibility and safety. Nine of 11 Dive Operators are functional. Visitors are encouraged to check directly with their dive operator regarding the status of operations and surrounding infrastructure.

  Several fundraising sites have been established to assist with relief efforts.  Persons wishing to assist can view the following links: http://www.opm.gov.dm/; Officially endorsed Dominica Government GoFundMe account :http://www.gofundme.com/DA-ErikaReliefFund; New York Diaspora: http://www.gofundme.com/DAwecareFUND; Red Cross of Dominica: https://www.youcaring.com/red-cross-of-dominica-421257 For additional updates, the government’s website is available:  www.discoverdominica.com.